5 Things Washington Nationals Fans Need To Know About Lucas Giolito

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The Washington Nationals' top prospect, Lucas Giolito, was a top-five pick before an elbow injury caused the prep pitcher to drop in the 2012 draft. Now fully recovered, here are five things that Nationals fans need to know about the future frontline starting pitcher.

5. Hollywood Connection

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

5. Hollywood Connection

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

Giolito's mother, Lindsay Frost, was an actress on the daytime soap opera "As The World Turns," and both his father and grandfather, Rick Giolito and Warren Frost, are also actors.

4. A Close Call

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

4. A Close Call

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

Giolito signed a minor league contract with a $2.925 million signing bonus with the Nationals on the day before his 18th birthday -- with just 30 seconds remaining before the signing deadline.

3. Triple-Digit Fastball

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

3. Triple-Digit Fastball

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

Considered to be the top prep pitcher in the 2012 Draft class until injuring his elbow, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has a premium fastball that touches 100 mph and consistently reaches the mid- to upper-90s.

2. Tommy John Surgery

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

2. Tommy John Surgery

Lucas Giolito's Facebook Page

Giolito sprained the UCL in his throwing elbow in the spring of 2012 and missed his final high school season. He was drafted 16th by the Nationals in the summer and promptly had Tommy John surgery to repair his injured elbow ligament.

1. Top Pitching Prospect

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1. Top Pitching Prospect

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In his first full year back from Tommy John surgery, the 20-year-old has posted an 8-2 record with a 2.53 ERA, 99 strikeouts and 26 walks over 88 frames for the low-A Hagerstown Suns.